The Federated Church of East Arlington Meditation, Meanderings and Musings from Pastor Kathy email: ksclark58@yahoo.com Cell 733-2162 Parsonage phone: 375-2427 November 2018 Inside This Issue Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. - William Arthur Ward As the month of November begins, it is hard to look past the cold and damp weather, the fact that Daylight Saving Time ends in the early morning hours of this coming Sunday and the knowledge that Elec on Day with the non stop campaigning that has preceded it will mercifully come to an end on the 6th. We have no way of reliably predic ng the weather for the long haul or the impact those elevated to elected office will have on our community, state and na on but there is one thing we can count on. A day devoted to gra tude will arrive throughout the land and there will be much feas ng and a en on turned to the work of giving thanks. Gra tude is a feeling that has the power to humble us in the face of unforeseen kindness or generosity. To be in a thankful frame of mind is to recognize that there is both gentleness and strength in the extended hand, the opened wallet, the ear that is bent in listening mode and the pa ence found in those who abide with us in spite of our impa ence and worry. I am quick to acknowledge that I am among the many who consider Thanksgiving their favorite holiday. It is not just because I get to gather with much of my extended family over a scrump ous meal largely created by my amazingly talented cook of a sister. It is not just because my daughter Selene and I get to watch the Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade together in our pajamas while simultaneously looking out our windows to see which hardy runners we recognize and take joy from some of the crea ve running ou its that pass by the parsonage as part of the Run ning of the Turkeys. No, what makes this day standout from all the rest is that the giving of thanks to God and each other is its founda on and is the reason for its existence. To have a day devoted to a shared value in this country where we currently have trouble finding common ground on almost anything, the no on that gra tude goes beyond all the lines that divide us is where hope can take root. To bask for a day in gra tude for faith, family, friends, health, and our very lives is to acknowledge the holiness of all that we find within and around us and to place our Creator and Sustainer God in the center of it all. However you spend this Thanksgiving, may gra tude be palpable and shared generously. Through the li ing up of this prayer from Steve Garnaas Holmes who writes at Unfolding Light, may the giving of thanks begin again: You who are the Mystery at the heart of all things, Source of all that is, to you we give thanks. For the gi of Crea on, and the wonder of this world, we thank you. For every creature and the web of all living things to which we belong, we thank you. For the gi of life, and the miracle that we are here today, we thank you. For gi s of sight and hearing, the gi of movement and touch, and for all the wonders that we behold, we thank you. For all the people who have blessed us, we thank you. For all our loved ones, for any who have taught us, helped us, loved us, accompanied us or prayed for us, we thank you. (con nued on page 6) Financial Secretary s Report Church Attendance Church Council October Birthdays & Anniversaries Helping Hands Fellowship/Coffee hour Altar Flowers Lectionary Readings SW Assoc. Prays for churches Neighbor to Neighbor Pie Auction Missions and Outreach Share Your Blessings Adventures in Reading Prayer Shawl Ministry Grange Breakfast Burdett Commons Playgroup Pastor s Page continued Diaper Bag Drive for Foster Care Aspen in the Canadian Rockies Youth Group News Bells of Peace UCC We Can t Let Evil Prevail Tree of Life Arlington Farmers Market Membership has its Privileges Arlington Christmas Project UMC Bishop Devadhar Eat For Heat Comfort Foods Electronic Giving Website News From the Office Clipboards Need Names Talent Show Don t miss events November Calendar Insert 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 14 14 15 16 Please submit your articles for the December 2018 issue of the newsletter by November 20th Thank you for your anticipated cooperation!
Page 2 The Federated Church of East Arlington Report of the Financial Secretary, Sandra Grover 2018 Congregational Giving Budgeted: $65,000.00 Congregational Giving Received 1/1-10/31 $38,676.83 Building Use 1/1-10/31 $ 3,741.50 Fundraising $ 284.45 Thank You! Church attendance (including children) 10/7 29 4 Children 10/14 45 3 Children 10/21 27 3 Children 10/28 25 3 Children YOUR CHURCH COUNCIL Our church council is working to right our financial ship. On November 18th, a er worship, the congrega on is invited to gather during fellowship me to discuss both our financial blessings and especially our challenges. We've got a strong, dedicated church family. Our mission to serve God is tried and true. Together, we need to make sure we have the money to keep us going strong in the years to come. This means making some tough decisions. Looking at our op ons and taking ac on are two steps well underway. Please come on November 18th. We need your guidance. (wri en by Brian Allen) Please see me if you have any ques ons or concerns about our wonderful church. My phone # is 802 442 9574. Peace Sue Congdon, Chair Our Church Council Chair Susan Congdon Treasurer Alyson Grzyb Clerk Tammy Lang Ex Officio Pastor Kathy Clark Building & Grounds Charlie Jenks 1. Olavi Wirkki 2. Education Anne Marie Webber 1. Bernice Gaudette 2. Fred Kerner Finance Brian Allen 1. Herb Taylor 2. Raebeth Hitchcock Worship & Ministry Fred Kerner 1. Linda McDevitt 2. Phyllis Warren Missions & Outreach Sandy Grover 1. Wendy Bahan 2. Jen Rosenthal
November 2018 Page 3 November birthdays 6 Ben Farrington 16 Cheryl Hess 18 Ezra Barrios 24 Elizabeth Pratt 25 Michele Lampron November anniversaries 16 John & Cheryl Hess November 4: November 4: Altar Flowers Brian Allen November 11: Kathy and John Frost November 18: November 25: Fellowship/Coffee Hour November 11: Janet and Ward Wilson November 18: November 25: Tammy and Scott Lang Southwest Association, UCC Prays for their Churches Each week one of the churches in the Southwest Association, UCC, will be prayed for by the other churches in the association. November 4: United Church of West Rutland November 11: Second Congregational Church of Bennington November 18: United Church of Benson November 25: Brandon Congregational Church November Helping Hands Lay Reader: Alyson Grzyb Council Member: Anne Marie Webber November 4: Usher: Phyllis Warren Communion Servers: Karen Underhill, Karen Tibbetts Greeter: Michelanne Sylvester Sunday School Teacher: Brian Allen Sunday School Helper: Bernice Gaudette Nursery Care Provider: Stephanie Barrios Nursery Assistant: November 11: Usher: Ginny Wilkins Greeter: Karen Underhill Sunday School Teacher: Karen Underhill Sunday School Helper: Bernice Gaudette Nursery Care Provider: Stephanie Barrios Nursery Assistant: November 18: Ushers: Alyson Grzyb Greeter: Ginny Wilkins Sunday School Teacher: Karen Underhill Sunday School Helper: Bernice Gaudette Nursery Care Provider: Stephanie Barrios Nursery Assistant: November 25: Ushers: Greeter: Linda McDevitt Sunday School Teacher: Karen Underhill Sunday School Helper: Bernice Gaudette Nursery Care Provider: Stephanie Barrios Nursery Assistant: Altar: Sunshine: Karen Underhill Lectionary Readings for November November 4: Ruth 1:1-8; Psalm 146 Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34 November 11: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17; Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 November 18: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16 Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8 November 25: Daniel 7:9-14; Psalm 93 Revelation 1:4-8; John 18:33-37
Page 4 The Federated Church of East Arlington NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR PIE AUCTION The members of your congregation are invited to attend our premiere Pie auction on Sat., Nov. 17, 2018 starting at 6:00 P.M. to be held at the Inn at Manchester Event Barn on Rte 7A. This will be a fun filled evening with music from BBA students, hors d oeuvres, a cash bar, a little pie tasting, and a large selection of pies for a silent and a live auction. Tickets are available for $15 from Steering Committee members or through the N 2 N office at 802-367-7787. The Inn at Manchester s parking is very limited so you may park your cars at The Orvis Flagship Store and shuttles will be available. Hope to see you there! Pie Bakers: There is still time to sign up to bake a pie. Sign up sheet is in Bailey Hall. Missions and Outreach The Mission and Outreach team continues to be available to consider requests that come into the church. OUR NOVEMBER MISSION PROJECT is the Arlington Area Food Shelf. We will concentrate on collecting and giving a ton (2000 pounds) of food for our neighbors who are food insecure. We continue to collect for Holy Joe s at our fellowship time; gave $92 to PAVE and $92 to Habitat for Humanity and $92 to our church general fund from the bake/food sale at the Farmers Market; helped with utilities for 2 families (4 adults and 5 children). We are thankful to be of assistance when our neighbors are in need and thankful for our church family. Sandra Grover, chair Wendy Bahan Jen Rosenthal BENNINGTON CROP WALK UPDATE Money raised to date: over $45,000 Money raised by FCEA walkers: $515 Share Your Blessings Join us for a night of Live Music, Silent and Live Auction, Dinner, Drinks and Prizes Sunday, November 18th at the Publyk House 6 9 p.m. Live music by Passin Thru, this local band blends together Rock & Roll, Country, Blues and Jazz Also performing is Lisa Ann of Mountaintop Music Admission $100 Contact bchabitatoffice@gmail.com or 802-367-1000 to purchase tickets
November 2018 Page 5 ADVENTURES IN READING Dear members since September I ve had the pleasure of reading from our 2018-2019 list these books: Group 1 Everything Happens for a Reason (Kate Bowler) Group 11 Scratchings (Scribble Sisters) Group 111 Brown Girl Dreaming (Jacqueline Woodson) PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Saturday, November 17, 2018 11:30 a.m. Bring your lunch: beverages provided I am still working on The Hidden Life of Trees (Peter Wohlleben) - Group 11. It is my hope that the books you chose to read were as good as my choices turned out to be. Come and tell us about your readings at my home on Saturday, December 1st at 10:15 a.m. HAPPY, HAPPY THANKSGIVING Janet Wilson Coordinator Let s get together to knit, crochet, handiwork, chat, laugh, pray over the shawls and Have fun and fellowship while doing for others. GRANGE BREAKFAST Sunday, November 18, 2018 7:30 9:30 a.m. The Federated Church of East Arlington Bailey Hall Burdett Commons Playgroup For kids birth 5 years old (and older siblings Fridays 9:30-10:30 am Check their facebook page for updates Location: back entrance of the Arlington Community House Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, biscuits, home fries, juice, coffee, tea.
Page 6 (con nued from page 1) For the food we eat, and all those around the world who provide it, we thank you. May our gra tude overflow to others, especially those who do not have what we do; may our thanks take form in giving and in working for the world you intend for us. O God, fountain of our souls and earth of our lives, we thank you, and pray that we may always live in humility, gra tude and joy. Amen. In gra tude and peace, Kathy The Federated Church of East Arlington Diaper Bag Drive for Bennington County Foster Care Please help gather diaper bags and other NEW baby products for babies and toddlers in Bennington County Foster Care. O en children come into care with li le to no belongings. We can help make this a li le be er by dona ng diaper bags, diapers, wipes, bo les, sippy cups, small baby toys, board books, blankets, pacifiers, diaper cream, small stuffed animals, and travel size toiletries. Dona ons can be given to Alyson Grzyb by November 11th and she will deliver them to the DCF office in Bennington. Aspen in the Canadian Rockies What can you do about the division that makes you afraid to listen to the news every morning? At a loss? You are not alone. But here is something any of us can do: we can pray. Before you scroll in in disgust at my passivity, read on. There is much more to this than you may think. Consider praying first for the one with whom you disagree. Think about praying first for the one who infuriates you. And pray for that person or group of people without an agenda of your own -- don't pray that they might see the error of their ways and repent, or that God might give them all a walloping case of intestinal flu. Don't pray anything specific for them. You don't need to. The madder you are about it, the more assiduously you should avoid any words at all in your prayer for your enemy. Leave the details to God. God doesn't need our suggestions anyway --- God is fully informed about our affairs. We don't need to tell God things. God knows. Just name them before God. Picture them, if you can. Picture them in the hands of God -- literally -- if you have that kind of childish ability to imagine. Just lift them up to God for blessing, the same blessing for which you yourself long. You need do nothing beyond this in prayer. Something interesting will happen if you begin to do this: your foe will become a human being to you. He will cease to be a cartoon of his offense. You will come to understand that there is more to him than the part you despise. This is the beginning of healing. And there is more: something happens in your foe when you pray as well. Not something you can predict or control, but there is an ecology of prayer: change something, and everything changes, just a little. A lot, sometimes. You have to be foolish enough and brave enough to take the counterintuitive step of praying with humility and without words for someone you can't stand. For those who can summon such foolishness and such courage, miracle awaits. Spend some time in the prayer for your enemy, in these days of high emotion and hot temper. Have the courage to present your adversary to God in trust that God knows our hearts -- all of our hearts -- and that Christ is, as we have always maintained, the Lord of history. Nothing can happen, in the Church or in the world, that is beyond the mercy of God to heal. Nothing is beyond the power of God to turn what happens in human affairs to possibility and good. The healing and goodness of God is hard for us to grasp sometimes. Sometimes it's so obvious to us what should happen, and we are heartbroken and angry when something else happens instead. But God is never absent from anything that happens. God is around here someplace. Dry your eyes and look around. Listen. There is an unexpected good here. Rev. Barbara Crafton, The Geranium Farm
November 2018 Page 7 YOUTH GROUP NEWS Happy Fall! It is time for gloves, hats and coats once again. It has come to the attention of this writer that our Federated Church Youth Group is unaware of the weather. They have been too busy to notice! As usual, the Youth Group has been busy working toward their goals, which affect The Helping Hands, the Arlington Food Shelf and The Ronald McDonald House. On September 29, the group had a bottle drive and earned $153.85. That event was followed by a Community Brunch on October 14th. The Youth Group served egg bakes, bacon, muffins, fruit and juices. We felt the free-will brunch for the community was a success for their first effort and, through the generosity of many, the group earned $284.00!! It was decided that $200.00 be given to the Ronald McDonald House, $50.00 to the church and $50.00 to the Crop Walk. Our current project is the Talent Show, which will be held on November 17, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., in the church Sanctuary. We are all very excited about this project and the thirteen acts, ranging from The Youth Group Puppets (debut) to our area Cloggers. In between there will be singers, instrumentalists, surprises, a band and a bake sale! Can anyone juggle? The future activities for the Youth Group involve assisting with Advent Workshop, shopping for a Ronald McDonald Family for Christmas, caroling as we hand out stuffed animals to various nursing facilities and the Rescue Squad, and participating in the Christmas Pageant. Somewhere in there we hope to have some Youth Group-fun activity! Last, but certainly not least, we welcomed Savannah Cross to the Youth Group ranks! Savannah is a great asset to the group. We love her enthusiasm and eagerness to help others. She has already made a positive difference with her suggestions and work ethic. With Savannah, came Bernice Gaudette, who has Youth Group experience and years of working with children - young and old. This is great news for all of us! Our next Youth Group Meeting will be November 11, from 5-6:30. At that meeting we will studying a Bible verse and preparing for the technical aspects of the TALENT SHOW on the 17th!! (Be there or be square!) It doesn't seem possible that a wish for a loving, sharing Thanksgiving should be included here, but that seems to be the case... HAPPY THANKSGIVING! GOD BLESS THE LARGE AND THE SMALL, FOR GOD MADE THEM ALL!
Page 8 The Federated Church of East Arlington HONOR & REMEMBRANCE 'Bells of Peace' to ring Nov. 11 The World War One Centennial Commission- along with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Cathedral, The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars- has announced a nationwide bell-tolling on Nov.11 as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice and service of veterans of the Great War, and all veterans. ''Bells of Peace: A World War One Remembrance" encourages citizens and organizations across the nation to toll bells in their communities 21 times at 11 a.m.local time on Nov.ll. In Washington, D.C., bells will toll in the National Cathedral at an interfaith service, marking the centennial of the armistice that ended hostilities in what Americans fervently hoped would be "the war to end all wars." "I encourage American Legion posts to not only participate, but to encourage participation at local houses of worship, schools, town halls, firehouses, police stations -anywhere people may gather on that day to honor and remember," says John Monahan, the Legion's representative on the World War One Centennial Commission. The nationwide program is designed to honor Americans who served 100 years ago during World War I, especially the 116,516 who died. The war ended by an armistice agreement at 11 a.m. on Nov.ll,1918. The commission has a page on its website ww1cc.org/bells- where people can find poetry, music, sacred service options and more. Individuals and organizations can sign up online to participate in the bell-tolling, and follow up after Nov.11 with photos and video of their service or ceremony. Posts will be added to the commission's permanent archive. perr-nanerit archive. WWW1 CENTENNIAL COMMISSION: VFW Quartermaster General Debra Anderson is a member of the Commission and announced the Commission s Bells of Peace, a collaborative program calling on citizens and organizations to toll bells in their communities 21 times at 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2018.
November 2018 Page 9 A letter to the UCC Family of Faith: We can t let evil prevail This call to action comes from the Conference Minister of the Penn Northeast Conference UCC, with the affirmation of the denomination s National Officers and the Rev. David Ackerman, Conference Minister of the Penn West Conference UCC. The news over the past weeks has revealed an undercurrent of hate within our culture and our country. Between the assumption that immigrants walking nearly 2,000 miles seeking asylum are seen as a threat to our security; the pipe bombs mailed to those who oppose our current political administration; the massacre of 11 Jewish citizens during services at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh; and the shooting of an African American man and woman in a grocery store after a failed attempt to enter a church of Black worshippers, it is hard to find cause for hope in our nation. The rhetoric of hate and divisiveness calls for a response from the faith community. While we should not advocate for candidates or political parties, we must advocate for justice, humanitarian treatment of our neighbors, and for safety in our places of worship. We are a diverse nation and until recently that diversity has been seen as a strength. We, in the Church, must stand as moral authorities proclaiming peace and hope, compassion and justice. Wherever and whenever you have the opportunity to provide wisdom and comfort, inspiration and compassion, I urge you to do so. To be silent is to let evil prevail and we, as people of faith, cannot do that, any more than Jesus could do it in his time and culture. Find a way to bring peace and hope to your faith communities, your communities, our state and our nations. Today we are asking our members to write prayer notes or notes of compassion to our siblings at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Mail them from your local church to them at 5898 Wilkins Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Participate in a vigil or a peaceful worship process in any one of your communities and if there isn t one, please plan one. If you are able, this would be a wonderful way to demonstrate solidarity with our Jewish siblings. By all means pray but above all do not fail to speak out or to act. As Martin Niemöller wrote: First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me. [1] We are called to be people of prayer, but we are also called to remember that The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18). May we each and all do our part to make our communities, state and nation places of hope and peace. Faithfully, The Rev. Bonnie Bates Conference Minister Penn. Northeast Conference United Church of Christ [1] https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/first-they-came-for-the-jews/
Page 10 The Federated Church of East Arlington Here is an acros c prayer created by Alden Solovy in the tradi on of many psalms. See what the first le er of each line spells out. Tree of Life Tree of Life, Revive our souls, Enrich our days, Entreating Your Blessings. Oh, God of Peace, Fill our Hearts with comfort, Letting Your Torah shine, In the fullness of our love, Faith in You, Our God, Eternal Source of blessings. Praying for healing In the depths of despair, Thanking God for the survivors, Thanking God for the first responders, Sorrow crushing our hearts, Bereaved beyond belief, United in our love, Returning to you in faith, God of Israel, Healer of generations. Arlington Farmers Market Bailey Hall of the Federated Church of East Arlington 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. November 23 November 30 December 7 December 14 December 21 Arlington Renewal Project Meeting TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 6.30 PM AMERICAN LEGION ARLINGTON Tree of Life, Redeemer of Israel, Enliven this moment with healing, Enliven this moment with hope. Oh, Rock of Israel, Forget not the Jews of Pittsbrgh. Let Your love flow In the days ahead For justice and peace Everlasting.
November 2018 Page 11 Membership Has Its Privileges I heard Rev. Michael Slaughter say that he does not refer lay people as volunteers, he prefers to call them unpaid servants. The reason is that volunteers have the mindset of being in control of when they will help, how they will help, how long they will help, etc. A servant serves until the job is done. I see Jesus washing the disciple s feet - washing our feet, showing us what following him requires. Jesus asked, Who do you say that I am?. Peter rightly answers you are the anointed one the Christ. Today Jesus is asking me, Who do you say that you are?. A disciple, a follower, a servant, a child of God, a sinner; the list goes on. All the names on my list relate to my relationship with God. What doesn t come to mind, or even resonate with me is being a member. I agree with Woody Allen on this one, - I wouldn t be a member of a club that would have me for a member. I associate membership with paying dues. For me, membership is a transactional experience. On the front of my Citi credit card it states I ve been a member since 1984. (yikes) American Express coined the phrase -membership has its privileges. You might be a member of Costco, AAA or Amazon Prime. As a member you receive benefits and perks; that s why we join. I think that when we call the followers of Jesus members we alter the relationship. Disciples are called to live a counter-cultural Christ-centered life. This includes becoming Jesus, i.e. more Jesus - less me. Within this proclaimed identity, stewardship is seen as the outward sign of the inward relationship with Jesus. On the other hand, because members expect services and perks, the membership stewardship concept is often reduced to selling members on all the things the church offers to them: Sunday School, Sunday Worship, Bible Study; Men, Women and Youth groups etc. The church brochure becomes a list of membership benefits. The danger of calling myself a member is that it is hard to separate my giving from what I m getting. I am paying for a great sermon, and I am disappointed when I don t get it; where is the complaint counter? Disciple and membership churches see themselves differently. I recall an African Bishop at Annual Conference sharing that he noticed that in the United States we celebrate all that we have done in the last year for Christ. In Africa, they celebrate all that Jesus has done for them, in them and through them. I suspect they see themselves as disciples rather than members. Is it any wonder that our offerings are collected by passing the plate or basket while singing a dirge, and their offering is danced and sung down to the Altar? Gary Melville, Director of Development UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION OF NEW ENGLAND 16 Route 111 / Building 3 / Suite 102 Derry NH 03038 ARLINGTON AREA CHRISTMAS PROJECT (RED STOCKING): To take part in this Red Stocking Christmas Project. Pick a red stocking in Bailey Hall, buy the gift, wrap it and return it on December 10th. Write a check to the Arlington Area Christmas Project. If you have questions or to donate, call Nathalie Caler at 375-6135. Nov. 25 Dec. 9 take stocking from tree in Bailey Hall, sign on list, buy gift, wrap, attach red stocking return gifts to worship
Page 12 The Federated Church of East Arlington Oct. 27, 2018 A prayer for the Tree of Life Congregation Beloved in Christ: Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of today's mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. I offer this prayer, and I humbly invite all of you to join me: God of us all, who created us in your image, your peace has been disturbed; Your heart has been broken. One among us has invaded a sacred place, slaughtered innocent children, acted hatefully toward what you love. Holy God, who declared what you made, good, we are stunned, shocked, pained. Our grief is deep, and we know not how to articulate what we feel. You know the depth of our sorrow; You know the desires of our hearts. We thank you, God, for those who have sought to bring healing, for those who have been signs of your presence, for those who have acted lovingly in the midst of hatred - first responders, law enforcement officials, medical experts, spiritual and governmental leaders, and all the compassionate people whose names will not be in the news. Guide us, O God, in addressing the issues of gun control and the care of persons with mental illness. Merciful God, who is with us always, most especially in suffering, be with those who have experienced this horror; comfort those who have lost their loved ones; help those whose faith has been shaken; Save us, O God. Save us from the folly of believing that the sin committed by one was an individual s doing only; help us to see this violent act as our own failure to be your Beloved community. God of people of all faiths, help us to go beyond our own faith communities creating a reign of your shalom where children who call you by different names join not only in prayer, but in action, to make the world a place where we can live freely without fear. In Christ's love, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
November 2018 Page 13 Eat for Heat Comfort Foods Dinner at the Federated Church of East Arlington Sunday November 18th 5:00 pm til food is gone Free will offering Proceeds will be used to help local families in need of fuel assistance this winter. For more information contact the church office at 375-2548. Federated Church of East Arlington Ice Pond Road, East Arlington,VT www.federatedchurchofeastarlington.org
Page 14 The Federated Church of East Arlington We, the members of the Federated Church of East Arlington, declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming and Reconciling congregation. With God s help, we include all persons in our fellowship, embracing and celebrating differences of gender identity, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, and sexual orientation, as well as racial, ethnic and socio-economic background. We welcome into our community everyone who seeks to share in the work and worship of the church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Consider automating your regular donations with our new electronic giving program. The Federated Church of East Arlington relies on the financial support of the congregation and donations electronic giving offers an easy way to give on a recurring basis. Visit the church office for more information or go to our webpage at www.federatedchurchofeastarlington.org or scan the qr code. Thank you! CLIPBOARDS NEED NAMES Choir Ushers Communion Servers Fellowship/Coffee Hour Altar Sunshine Flowers Nursery Assistants Sunday School Teachers and Helpers Special times of need: dinners, etc. We are a family, we love each other, we need each other, we are loved by God. Arlington Area Food Shelf 2018 1193 pounds collected. Our Mission project for November is to collect food for the Arlington Area Food Shelf! We CAN get to a ton! WEBSITE NEWS federatedchurchofeastarlington.org If you would like to add anything (pictures, articles) to the website or have suggestions, contact Sue Wirkki, 375-9471 sue@wirkki.org Like the Federated Church of East Arlington on Facebook. FROM THE OFFICE If you know of a prayer request to add or change in the bulletin, please let the office know by Thursday. Thank you, Sandy
November 2018 Page 15
The Federated Church of East Arlington 102 Ice Pond Arlington, Vermont 05250 802-375-2548 federatedchurch05250@gmail.com www.federatedchurchofeastarlington.org Visit us on Facebook The mission of The Federated Church of East Arlington is to welcome all, follow Jesus Christ together, and live God s Word with compassionate service. November 2018 Don t miss these November events: Nov. 4 10:00 a.m.-worship with Communion 11:00 a.m.-fellowship/coffee time Nov.11 10:00 a.m.-worship 11:00 a.m.-ring Bells of Peace 11:00 a.m.-dedication of Dunlap Hall with Fellowship/coffee time Nov. 17 11:30 a.m.-prayer Shawl Ministry 6:00-8:00 p.m. Talent Show Nov. 18 7:30-9:30 a.m. Grange Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Congregational Meeting/finances 11:00 a.m.-fellowship/coffee time 5:00 p.m.-eat-4-heat Comfort Food Dinner Nov. 20 7:00 p.m.-ifc Thanksgiving Service, Dorset Nov. 25 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.-fellowship/coffee time Vermont polls are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.